Hard Rock Hotel is Celebrating 15 Rockin’ Years at Universal Orlando
This year, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort is going to sound a little bit louder and rock a whole lot harder as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. Since its opening on this day in 2001, Hard Rock Hotel has had some incredible moments from the rockin’ grand opening to visiting celebrities, countless performances and more.
2001 drummers set a Guinness world record for the longest and largest drumroll at the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel on February 27, 2001.
But nothing has been more a part of the Hard Rock experience than the music. I sat down with VIBE Manager Molly Ford to hear how music from the past decade and a half has shaped the hotel.
CB: How have you seen the hotel evolve with the constant flux and flow of music over the past decade and a half?
MF: I think for a while we were stuck in the mindset of “this is the Hard Rock, we should play classic rock music” and then we realized we needed to embrace all kinds of music. We used to play classic and a little modern rock and maybe a bit of top 40. Now when you’re at the hotel, you’ll hear rock, rap, pop, country, club music – I’ll play just about anything.
What gets you excited for the 15th anniversary of Hard Rock Hotel Orlando? And what are you excited to have guests experience?
As part our anniversary, we’re doing an extensive rennovation, including adding new memorabilia throughout the hotel. They’re almost done, and I can’t wait for our guests to see them. I gave the memorabilia team at Hard Rock International a “wish list” of what I’d like to see in the hotel, and they really did an amazing job getting some killer pieces for us.
Just like the music selections used to be, we really catered to the classic rock era when it came to the memorabilia. I’m excited to see the younger generation get into the new memorabilia that’s coming in. They’ll be able to appreciate the pieces from stars like Steve Aoki, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
Last question: Hard Rock Hotel opened in 2001, what were some of your favorite hits from that year?
Pretty tough question, but here are a few of my favorites:
- The Donnas – Play My Game
- Dropkick Murphys – Heroes From Our Past
- Jeff Beck – Rollin’ and Tumblin’
- Dave Matthews Band – The Space Between
- Dashboard Confessional – Screaming Infidelities
- Sum 41 – In Too Deep
- Pixies – Manta Ray
- Depeche Mode – Dream On
- E.M – She Just Wants To Be
- Missy Elliott – Get Ur Freak On
So, my fellow rockers: plug in some of your favorite tunes and check out some of our favorite photos throughout the years below. Let’s celebrate the past 15 years and toast to the next 15 with Hard Rock Hotel!
Marty
Can you describe in more detail what they mean by renovation? Are we talking about construction? Or just changing up some set pieces? I don’t want to be there if they are having construction.
Becky
I think the Hard Rock is not serving their customers well by playing all types of music. People who love Rock music migrate toward the Hard Rock and then they hear other music (such as some nauseating country music) and the experience is ruined for them. Play the expected music, please.
Vikki Devorak
I agree, what type of construction? Please leave the music the way it has been. The music is part of the experience of staying at the Hard Rock. I can hear mixed music any day of the week. It would be like staying at the Portofino Bay Hotel and listening to country music. Would like to plan our trip in the summer due to our family work schedule. When is the King Kong ride expected to open? When will your construction be done?